Resolution for Pandemics Approved by the International Telecommunication Union Plenipotentiary Conference [Past Related Activities and Future Challenges]

Abstract

The ITU adopted a new resolution at its PP Conference held in 2022 in Bucharest, Romania to utilize ICT to combat pandemics and new infectious diseases. In this paper, we have investigated infectious disease-related contributions and declarations at the ITU-D up to the most recent resolution for pandemics, pointed out issues, and offered a concrete outlook. We are pleased that the new resolution on pandemics has been issued, but the specific details regarding infection detection, efforts to prevent infection (PP-22 Resolution 215), and technology content remain insufficient. The risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza infection and the global spread of Ebola virus disease cannot be eliminated. ICT plays a major role in social infrastructure, and its use in health care is rapidly expanding into fields of application. At the next PP Conference, we would like to request that ITU begin to focus on saving more lives by making full use of AI and ICT technology.